§497a Notification required for reduction or consolidation of dual-capable aircraft based in Europe

Summary

The Secretary of Defense must tell the congressional defense committees at least 90 days before cutting back or combining U.S. dual-capable aircraft based in Europe. The notice must explain why the change is planned, how it would affect U.S. extended deterrence (the U.S. promise to deter attacks on allies), how NATO’s military needs will still be met, how NATO has reacted, and whether the change alters Russia’s force posture, including any Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons that can reach NATO countries. Dual-capable aircraft are planes that can carry both regular (conventional) weapons and nuclear weapons.